Illinois Immigrant Action
For Immediate Release: Statement
September 3, 2009
For more information contact:
Joshua Hoyt, 773.443.0539
Rudy Lopez, 312.371.3100
Kirk Lawyers Attempt to Censor Univision Radio on
“Condoms Not a Solution” Ads:
Continues to Refuse to Discuss Immigration Solutions
Yesterday Illinois Immigrant Action announced a series of radio and print ads to run in Spanish language media highlighting statements by Congressman Mark Kirk on the floor of Congress that family planning is a solution for the “illegal immigration pressure on America’s borders” and calling on the Congressman to get serious about workable solutions to our broken immigration system.
Congressman Kirk has responded through his attorneys, the famous Washington insider lobbying giant Patton Boggs LLP, with a threatening letter demanding that Univision Radio “not air this advertisement.” (see below). Univision Radio is delaying the broadcast of the ads to verify their accuracy and our attorneys are addressing their concerns. The print ads are running in seven Spanish newspapers, and on the CapitolFax Blog, and are posted by the Huffington Post and Progress Illinois. The following is a statement by Illinois Immigrant Action (IIA):
At Illinois Immigrant Action, we understand why Congressman Mark Kirk does not want his embarrassing record of ugly remarks scape-goating immigrants, his refusal to meet to discuss actual workable solutions to our broken immigration system, and his mean-spirited voting record on immigrant issues drawn to the attention of Latino voters. But we are shocked that the Congressman would interfere with our free enterprise system to try to block our ad buy on Univision Radio, to use legal intimidation to prevent Illinois Immigrant Action from exercising our right to corporate free speech, and to interfere in the free marketplace of ideas.
Our ads are accurate. We denounce Congressman Kirk’s efforts to suppress knowledge of his statements to the effect that family planning in Mexico means fewer Mexicans, that the American people support helping Mexican women have fewer babies, and that fewer Mexicans mean less illegal immigration, and that this is a long term solution.
Congressman Kirk went on the floor of the US House of Representatives on June 21, 2007 and argued in support of an amendment to HR 2764 supporting “providing contraceptives in developing countries.” During his statement Congressman Kirk said
In this Congress the issue of illegal immigration is at the top of our agenda.... As population pressures rise, so does the move to enter the United States, legally or illegally. To reduce the illegal immigration pressure on our borders, we need short-term solutions like border enforcement, and long-term solutions like backing voluntary family planning to help women in developing counties have the smaller family that they want….
I would argue that the American people would strongly agree with the principle that if Mexican women wanted to have fewer children, then we should help them.
Voluntary family planning would… lower the rate of growth of Mexico's population. A slower rate of growth of Mexico's population… would also reduce the long-term illegal immigration pressure on America's borders.
Congressman Kirk’s attorneys claim that, because the Congressman does not mention “condoms” above, our ads are inaccurate. Well the general use of condoms is for family planning, not water balloons! Would Congressman Kirk be satisfied if our ad read as follows???
Congressman Kirk recommends that the American people support a long term solution to illegal immigration by helping Mexican women have fewer babies through the use of condoms, IUDs, “morning after” pills, implants, birth control pills, and abstinence.
Congressman Kirk does not enjoy the fact that his embarrassing statements on how to end illegal immigration are being aired before the Latino community. But legal intimidation is not the proper way to debate his odd theories. The Congressman’s lawyers claim that the Congressman is fluent in Spanish. Therefore, Illinois Immigrant Action challenges Congressman Kirk to debate IIA Board Member Joshua Hoyt, in Spanish on Univision Radio, on how to best end illegal immigration and fix our broken immigration system. Let us enjoy free and fair democratic debate, and hopefully leave behind his offensive rhetoric and work together in favor of workable solutions that uphold our nation’s values and move us forward together.
Illinois Immigrant Action (IIA) promotes the full and equal participation of immigrants through advocating for immigration reform, citizenship, voting, and participation in the political life of the community.
Illinois Immigrant Action is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that engages in grassroots and direct lobbying at the local, State and national levels; organizes community voting projects, including canvassing, mail campaigns, get-out-the vote activities; and educates voters on candidates’ positions. Contributions are not tax deductible.
-END-